Barcelona Travel Tips from Rail Europe Enjoy the many outdoor cafes of Barcelona A Surreal Journey into the Capital of Catalan In a word, the capital of Catalonia is surreal. Dreamlike, whimsical, daring. It’s no wonder the likes of Dali, Miró and Gaudi sought to create their works of wonderment here. After the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona went through a rebirth, and is now one of the hottest destinations in all of Europe. Swinging nightlife, sultry beaches, the sound of the language (hint: it’s not Spanish) collides to create a sensuous, sublime city. You might arrive into the Barcelona Franca train station . First built in 1929, it is Barcelona’s most beautiful. With marble, bronze and crystal, the décor, compare to design elements around the rest of the city, is far more traditional and opulent. What makes the station different is that it is made of two buildings surrounding the rail tracks in the shape of a U. Exit the station and be immediately captivated by the city’s energy. Sounds of Spanish guitar echo through the monumental walls of the station, while the aroma of coffee and churros vie for your attention.

There’s so much more to Barcelona than La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and the Joan Miro Museum. When you get off the bus, explore the charming squares, dark passageways of the Gothic Quarter and the beaches, thriving with bombshell Catalonians. And remember to leave your “Spanish” in Madrid . Barcelona will allow you to enjoy a day at the beach in the morning while admiring Gaudi architecture in the afternoon. In the evening, hit up a cava bar to celebrate your surroundings. Cava is the Spanish version of Champagne. Delightful and bubbly, just like the locals. One of the best places in Barcelona to try some is El Xampanet. Operated by the same family since the 1930’s and close to the Picasso Museum, you’ll find marble tables and walls adorned with colorful tiles. For the brave, try the typical, accompanied snack: Anchovies in vinegar. Being in Barcelona will leave you with a smile as stretched as Las Ramblas. While strolling the maze of boulevards, keep a mindful eye on your belongings while playing card games with a street vendor.

Located between the Gothic Quarter and El Raval, using a Barcelona Card you can arrive via the Catalunya metro station, one of the city’s oldest and most iconic. Meet an old or new friend in front of Font de Canaletes, a popular gathering spot in the center of it all. From the Barcelona Sants station, you can take off on numerous day trips using RENFE services or perhaps even a quick trip on an AVE high-speed train. The tiny fishing village of Cadaqués, just about two hours away by train to Figueres and taxi/bus to Cadaques has the requisite craggy coastline and vistas that when sundrenched, turn to colors only seen in one’s imagination. Which is probably why many painters came to be inspired, including native son, Salvador Dali. The artist spent his summers here, using the gorgeous backdrop as his inspirational turn to Surrealism. Contributed by: Mick, Rail Europe French Bilingual Staff, studied in France and became a nomad backpacker in Europe. Popular Routes La Rambla - Las Ramblas Barcelona - Las Ramblas Hotels Vacation Rentals Share La Rambla is the best-known street in the center of Barcelona.

This wide, tree-lined boulevard is a major shopping center in the city. Las Ramblas Barcelona is also known for the quality of its street performers, and large crowds gather to listen to musicians in the evenings along the road. The street is more than half a mile long and runs through central Barcelona connecting the Christopher Columbus monument at Port Vell to the large square Placa Catalunya in the Eixample neighborhood. Along the famous street there are many attractions , hotels , and shops. Taking a stroll along this lively promenade is a favorite activity for many visitors to Barcelona. Different areas of Las Ramblas have different reputations, and this becomes clear after nightfall. The southern area of the boulevard, near the port, becomes seedier after sunset and is known for the presence of prostitutes. The northern portion of La Rambla doesn’t have this reputation, so if you’re strolling along at night, avoid the southern portion, especially if you’re alone. The road has been pedestrianized and traffic is restricted. This fact contributes to the atmosphere of the street, though it is possible to get public transportation along the boulevard: Three metro stops make it easy to reach other parts of Barcelona from La Rambla.

If you’re looking for Las Ramblas hotels, there are many choices for accommodation including hostels , apartments , and traditional hotels. While Las Ramblas hotels offer a very central location, many visitors often complain about the noise. This lively street often doesn’t quiet down until 3 am or later, which can be frustrating to tired travelers, though it’s a popular place to be for young people and anyone interested in partying. Some of the most popular hotels along the boulevard include 1898 Hotel, Apolo Tryp Hotel, and Royal Hotel. Las Ramblas hotels are available at a variety of price points and ratings. Whether you are traveling on a budget or have a little extra to spend, there will be a hotel along Las Ramblas for you. Barcelona Map Beyond hotels, there are many reasons to head for Las Ramblas Barcelona. Stop during your stroll, and local artists will draw your caricature, musicians will perform, and you might bump into a human statue or two. Attractions along the famous road include the Wax Museum, the Erotica Museum, and the Modernist Boqueria Market.

Another famous attraction along La Rambla will be right under your feet: A tile mosaic by the artist Joan Miro (who is featured in the local Fundacio Joan Miro ) is located near the Liceu Theatre, and if you look closely, one of the tiles is even signed by the artist. Many visitors also stop to see the Font de Canaletes, a fountain that serves as a popular meeting point along La Rambla. There are many restaurants along Las Ramblas Barcelona, but they aren’t known for their exceptional quality. Like any main tourist street, prices are higher and service isn’t as good as what you might find in other areas of the city. However, the restaurants are a great place for people-watching and to enjoy a glass of sangria. The most popular shop along the boulevard is the department store El Corte Ingles. With seven floors of shopping, you’re guaranteed to find anything you desire. While La Rambla is known as a safe place, tourists are often targeted by pickpockets. Don’t keep wallets in pockets and always keep bags zipped and close to you; practice smart travel by leaving your passport safely in your hotel just in case you are the victim of a pickpocket.

La Rambla Top 10 Things To See And Do Around Las Ramblas, Barcelona Top 10 Things To See And Do Around Las Ramblas, Barcelona Hana LaRock Updated: 20 December 2016 During your trip to Barcelona, it’s absolutely necessary to visit Las Ramblas , a street in the center of the city that appeals to both tourists and locals alike, all of whom enjoy its charm. While Las Ramblas sometimes gets a reputation for being ‘too touristy,’ there are plenty of things to see and do around this famous avenue that are authentic as ever. Barcelona North-East| © xlibber/Flickr Get Turned On at Museu de l’Erotica Located right in the middle of this busy street is none other than Museu de l’Erotica , an exciting experience for adults. Though a museum like this may be a bit raunchy, it’s actually quite interesting and informative, as it talks about (and shows) the history of sex in the romantic city of Barcelona. Some of the displays are amusing, like the stripper-Barbies or the old pornography playing on the televisions. For only seven euros, you can have a good laugh.

2010-08-24 PM Ramblas – Joan Miro | © Eric/Flickr Walk On Top of a Miró Mural Las Ramblas no doubt has a lot of history, but nowadays many people will just walk right by all of it without even taking a second glance. One example of this is Joan Miró ‘s circular tile work, crafted by the artist himself right on the street. Miró actually helped build part of Las Ramblas, and it’s an important fact to remember while walking on this street; especially when you think about how much artists like Gaudí and Miró influenced the city. Look near Liceu Metro and Liceu Theater to find it. Look even closer, and you’ll find the tile that Miró signed himself. Take a Walking Tour Doing a walking tour that will take you through Las Ramblas (and will tell you all the secrets we can’t possibly tell you here) is a fun thing to do that’s a bit off the beaten path when it comes to visiting Barcelona.

Whether you do it as part of a larger walking tour of the city, or just have a local show you around the area, you’ll be sure to uncover even more of the hidden beauty that this place has to offer. Street artist at La Rambla | © Jan Hammershaug/Flickr See the Human Statues Las Ramblas looks like it came right out of a scene from Eurotrip, with human statues imitating everyone, from Spain ’s famous philosophers to regular robots. These guys and gals do an amazing job with their costumes, and sometimes you can walk right by one and think it’s a real statue. That is their goal, after all. Though they can be tourists traps, throwing a euro into one of their boxes won’t hurt anyone. Sometimes the statutes do tricks as well, so take your time admiring them. Rent a Bike at Mattia 46 Instead of walking through Las Ramblas, why not consider going on a bike ride through it? Renting bikes to ride through European cities is all the rage now, and Barcelona is no exception. There are bike rental places all over the city, but for five euros you can rent a bike from Mattia 46, located right next to Las Ramblas.

Take your new bike for a stroll through the alleyways off the main street, or into the bustling areas nearby. Just watch out for all the people! See a Show at Liceu Liceu Theater, or the ‘ Gran Teatre del Liceu ,’ is located right in Las Ramblas and is an amazing place to watch a live performance in. Right now, you can book your tickets for Otello, Beethoven and Irons, or the International Singing Contest by Francisco Viñas. If you don’t want to sit in on a show, then you can do a tour of the theater, which is just as cool. Going to the Liceu gives visitors to Barcelona an honest cultural experience that’s not always easy to find on the touristy paths of Las Ramblas. Awaken Your Senses at La Boqueria If you don’t have a lot of time, the one thing you must do when visiting Las Ramblas is head to La Boqueria . This famous market has been the city’s best grocery store for as long as anyone can remember.

Inside, you’ll find a wide array of fresh produce, meats, fish, and just about anything you might need to cook up a fancy dinner (as well as some flowers, of course). It’s also a great place to try some street food, take a cooking class , or have a glass of wine at a little stall. La Boqueria | © Dom Walster/Flickr Shop at El Corte Inglés If you need to do some real shopping and not just browsing for souvenirs, then head to El Corte Inglés, which is right at the end of Las Ramblas. El Corte Inglés is located in Plaça de Catalunya, and is Spain’s version of Macy’s or Nordstrom. Here you can find everything you need, from a pair of heels to wear to the club to a new piece of furniture for your apartment. It’s also a good place to hang out in, if you need a change of scenery.

El Corte Inglés, Plaça de Catalunya 14, Barcelona, Spain , + 34 933 063 800 Grab a Bite to Eat Las Ramblas is not only the perfect place to try some delicious food, but also to appreciate the history of some of the restaurants and cafés that have made it through decades of change on this famous street. Two places to visit are Cafe de l’Opera and Pasteleria Escriba , where you can get some coffee or enjoy a croissant before siesta time. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, there are plenty of tapas bars and restaurants on Las Ramblas to check out. Visit the Art Gallery at Centre d’Art Santa Monica An essential part of visiting Barcelona is getting to see the all the stunning art and architecture all over the city, and Las Ramblas is no exception. You’ll find a myriad of beautiful galleries here, such as Centre d’Art Santa Monica . This gallery houses an amazing space that is known for hosting various contemporary art exhibitions, featuring artists that come from all over the world. Just five minutes down Las Ramblas, and you’ll be there.

Las Ramblas Reviews, Tours, & Hotels Nearby Tickets & Tours Overview Las Ramblas is the most famous street in Barcelona. The exciting street, which runs from the Placa Catalunya in the north to Port Vell in the south, is mostly pedestrianized, apart from the two narrow one-way streets called Ramblas Boulevard. Often the first place tourists think of when they tour Barcelona, is this vibrant and lively promenade in the heart of the city. You can walk down Las Ramblas day or night, enjoy the entertainment and experience Barcelona’s many unique sights. Attractions Font de Canaletes – Located at the top of Las Ramblas, Font de Canaletes is a drinking fountain that has, according to folklore, magical properties. According to superstition, if you drink from the fountain you will fall in love with the city and always return! Wax Museum – With more than 360 wax figures, the Wax Museum focuses on personalities in Spanish-Catalan history as well as other famous international figures. Created in 1973, the museum is located in a beautiful 19th century building in the southern part of Las Ramblas.

Human Statues – Not unusual for a big city, street performers are everywhere on Las Ramblas, and particularly human statues. If you haven’t come across human statues before, and without giving the game away, these guys stand ridiculously still, like statues, until you throw some coins into their pot or bag, and they come alive. Christopher Columbus Monument: The Columbus Monument is a 60-m tall monument at the lower end of Las Ramblas that was built to honour Christopher Columbus and his first voyage to the Americas in 1888. The monument was built in Barcelona to remind the city that Columbus came to Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand V after his first trip to the “new world”. Boqueria Market – Selling fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as nuts and other dried produce, this beautiful market is located about two thirds of the way up Las Ramblas. Whether you indeed to buy something from the local sellers or not, the market is well worth a visit for the hustle and bustle. It is considered one of Europe’s most famous food markets.

Tips Be aware of pick pockets – Las Ramblas is a very touristy area of Barcelona, and so is often targeted by petty thieves, be savvy, try not to carry too much money and keep valuables well hidden and discreet. Allow time – Las Ramblas is always busy and if you have a dinner reservation somewhere or think you can walk it in ten minutes, you are likely to discover otherwise. The street is usually crammed with people and you should allow at least 40 minutes to walk the length of it. Avoiding eating there – La Ramla is not really a great place to find a nice meal. With a few exceptions, it’s best to explore the side streets off La Rambla for an authentic Spanish meal or some tapas if you can. Map of Las Ramblas Transport Metro – At the southern end you can stop at Drassanes (green line, L3), in the middle you can stop at Liceu (green line, L3), and Catalunya (green line, L3 and red line, L1) Bus – take Barcelona Tours Bus or the Aerobus.

History Las Ramblas was laid out in 1766, and followed the contours of the medieval city walls of Barcelona that had surrounded this part of the city since the 13th century. The route was originally a sewage-filled stream, but gradually began looking more and more like a street from the 15th century onwards. Unlike the other narrow streets in the rest of the city, La Rambla was the only place that was wide and free, and immediately attracted locals of all classes. Interesting Facts Did you know that the famous painter Joan Miro created a part of Las Ramblas? The circular tiled mosaic is located close to the Liceu Theatre and Metro stop. Las Ramblas is actually made up of six La Rambla, hence why it is called Las Ramblas and each have their own name. 10 Facts You Might Not Know About Barcelona 10 Facts You Might Not Know About Barcelona By Norbert 77 Comments Barcelona, a Gothic and Modernist marvel on the Mediterranean Sea, is a city well known for its quirky, cosmopolitan, cool character.

Whether it’s by unearthing Barcelona’s past in the hidden courtyards of the Barri Gòtic, or by enjoying the charms of the modernist city, you will discover many interesting things that make Barcelona one of Spain’s most livable and energetic cities and one of the most interesting cities in Europe. So, here are 10 facts you might not know that will get you craving to visit the city . 1. Its founding origins are still in dispute There are two Spanish legends concerning the establishment of Barcelona. One legend says that it was founded by Hercules, 400 years before the building of Rome. But, according to the other legend, the city was founded in the 3rd century BC by the Carthaginian Hamilcar Barca, father of Hannibal. He named the city Barcino after his family, the Barca family of Carthage. Which one do you believe? 2.

Barcelona is considered the “best beach city” in the world by National Geographic, but their beaches weren’t used for leisure until 1992 Today there are seven beaches with a total of 4.5 km of coastline, but before 1992, Barcelona’s seaside was completely run over by industries, and there existed no beach for the use of the city’s populace and tourism. It wasn’t until the city’s redevelopment for the 1992 Olympic Games that the city moved their industries and converted the seaside area into an exemplary leisure area for locals and tourist alike; including the improvement of two beaches and the creation of five new beaches. According to Discovery Channel , Barceloneta beach is the best urban beach in the world and the third best beach in the world. (I would dispute Discovery Channel and National Geographic ‘s statements, though.) 3. Barcelona is to thank for World Book Day La Diada de San Jordi (St. Georges Day) is one of the biggest, most widely celebrated festival days in Barcelona which takes place on April 23rd and is a celebration of love and literacy. On this day, it is a tradition to present your near and dear ones with roses and books.

Inspired by this custom, UNESCO declared the day as the International Day of Books. 4. La Rambla is not just one street… it’s five streets La Rambla is probably the most famous street in Barcelona, but in reality it consists of 5 boulevards –or ramblas– joined to make one long promenade. It starts from Placa Catalunya and end at the Colombus statue by the waterfront. For this reason, this 2-kilometer long boulevard is also commonly known in plural as Las Ramblas. Thousands of people stroll on Las Ramblas every day and night, where they watch the performing street artists, shop, or sit for a nice meal or coffee. Las Ramblas is the major center of activities in the city and is undoubtedly the most famous promenade of Barcelona, and probably in all Spain. 5. It is Europe’s largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast Also, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, after Madrid, and the 11th most populous urban area in the European Union. 6.

It is the first city to win a RIBA Royal Gold Medal for its architecture The Royal Gold Medal for architecture is awarded annually since 1848, by the Royal Institute of British Architects on behalf of the British monarch, in recognition of an individual’s or group’s substantial contribution to international architecture. In 1999, Barcelona became the first and only city, to this date, to receive this honor – instead of an individual architect. And it goes without saying that it is well deserved. 7. Fiestas de la Mercè is the most important festival in Barcelona The main event of La Mercè is held on the 24th of September each year, and the Festival is held in honor of the Cities Patron Saint and Protector, The Virgin de La Merce. It is an official city holiday since the year 1871. 8. Flamenco is not well known in Barcelona Even though Spain is well-known for its flamenco dancing, this popular dance is not traditional or well known/practiced in Barcelona or Cataluña. Catalans prefer the more contemporary rock-n-roll scene. 9.

The hallmark grid pattern of the city came from a revolutionary utopian master plan Most of the city of Barcelona was designed by Ildefons Cerdà i Sunyer for the 19th-century extension of the city. The plan, called Eixample, intended to create the perfect environment for Barcelona’s fast expanding population. He considered traffic and transport along with sunlight and ventilation for the design of his characteristic octagonal blocks, where the streets broaden at every intersection making for greater visibility, better ventilation, and more significant open spaces. In the end, the plan wasn’t built following all the utopian characteristics he envisioned in his plan. 10. Gaudí was not the original architect of Sagrada Familia Even though La Sagrada Família is one of the major works of Antoní Gaudí , he was not the first architect to be appointed to work on it. Architect Francisco de Paula del Villar was the first one commissioned to design the church. Construction of the crypt of the church was begun March 19, 1882, following Villar’s design. It wasn’t until 1883 when Antoní Gaudí started working on the project.

On March 18, 1883, Villar retired from the project, and Gaudí assumed responsibility for its design, which he changed radically. So that is a quick glimpse at Barcelona’s interesting facts. If you want to discover more of the city, I recommend checking out Viator’s tours to get an in depth look of what makes this city so wonderful! Images 1 , 2 , 4 , and 6 from Flickr’s Creative Commons; 3 and 5 from Wikipedia. 792shares Citadines Ramblas Barcelona | Citadines Apart Citadines Ramblas Barcelona A- A+ Barcelona embodies a spirit of happiness and freedom. This seaside city teems with pristine beaches where sun-kissed tourists relax and play in the sand. Live music echoes throughout the city. Everywhere you turn, the streets are dotted with colourful tapas bars, Catalan restaurants and sculptures that add to the energy of the city. Citadines Ramblas Barcelona is a great starting point to explore the Catalan city.

Next to the eponymous Las Ramblas boulevard, a promenade dotted with shops, restaurants and museums, the walk is an entertaining and pleasant one as you make your way to cultural attractions such as the human statue of Galileo Galilei and Miró mosaic. Your next stop should be the Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter. Almost untouched by time, the area evokes the old-world romance of Barcelona. Many of the buildings that still stand originated during Medieval times, and some date back to the Roman period. Next head for the Quadrat d'Or to relish the sight of majestic buildings decorated with floral designs, neo-Gothic details and stained glass. A must-see attraction here is the Sagrada Família, the unfinished masterpiece of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. This Roman Catholic church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are adventurous, hike up the hill of Montjuïc and be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city. The hill also leads to other destinations such as botanical gardens, Olympic and Sports Museum Joan Antoni Samaranch, and Montjuïc Cemetry - the final resting place for many influential personalities. Return to Citadines Ramblas Barcelona after a full day of exploration.

The air-conditioned/heated room, TV and internet connection promise to help settle you in as fast as possible. Local Date & Time 19 January, 2017 05:43 AM 4 Las Ramblas Street: One Of The Most Famous Street - SuiteLife Home » Food & Drinks » Las Ramblas street: One of the most famous street Las Ramblas street: One of the most famous street Las Ramblas Barcelona, one of the world’s most famous streets! They say when a man’s tired of London, he’s tired of living and I think the same could be said about this diverse and elaborate boulevard which runs through the heart of Barcelona. The “emotional hub” of the city, this is normally the first port-of-call for Barcelona tourists and when you see the sheer amount of activity crammed in, you can see why. A study in 2007, reported that around 80 million Barcelona tourists walk up and down the Ramblas every year. This long tree lined street has grown and expanded over the years, meandering for 1.2 kilometres down towards the sea. Originally Las Ramblas was a river which is where the name Rambla comes from.

“Ramla” in both Catalan and Spanish refers to “water flow” and derives from the Arabic word “Ramla” which basically means “Riverbed”. The Arabs didn’t occupy Barcelona long enough to leave any architectural impressions, but the names “Rambla” and “ Raval ” are distinct remains of their time in BCN. Las Ramblas Barcelona – The way it used to be For those with a little knowledge of the Spanish language , you may be thinking “How can one street be called “Las Ramblas”, which is plural?” Well, you would be right in thinking this, “Las Ramblas” is made up of five individual ramblas(es)or streets. The Canaletes, Estudis, Sant Jospe, Caputxins and Santa Monica Ramblas, each are named after the relevant churches which are located along the streets. Famous and infamous for many things, you will find almost anything you could wish for somewhere along the Ramblas, if not on Las Ramblas itself, you certainly will on one of the many back streets which lead from it. An abundance of tapas restaurants on La Ramblas, cafesand bars provide the perfect setting to sit and absorb the atmosphere.

In fact, Las Ramblas is so well known for this that there is a word in the Spanish vocabulary for it, “Ramblista”, a person who spends the day on the Ramblas, people watching and generally just absorbing the hustle and bustle of Barcelona life. With the world’s most photographed street performers,living art, flower stalls, craft stalls, fashion shops, museums and theatres there is plenty of things to do on Las Ramblas. The Boqueria Market Barcelona Many of Barcelona’s famous landmarks are situated just off Las Ramblas. Placa Reial located about half way down the street, offers some of the most famous restaurants and nightclubs in Barcelona, constantly buzzing from dawn till dusk. La Boqueria market, also known as Mercat Sant Josep is a world renowned indoor market situated right next to the Licue metro stop. At the top of Las Ramblas is the grand Placa de Catalunya. Catalunya square occupies some 50 000 square metres and is widely considered to mark the city’s central point. This is also the connecting point between the old Barri Gotic part of the city and the 19th century Eixample .

At the lower end of Las Ramblas, towards the waterfront, you will find the Columbus monument. This 60 metre tall, iron column is a local meeting point with Christopher Columbus standing proudly on the top of the column, pointing out to sea. A not so well known fact is that there is a lift inside the column, taking you to a panoramic view of the city, ideal for Barcelona photography. For an in-depth look, make sure you check out our other blog articles. Although the list of things to see on La Ramblagoes on and on, Gaudi’s Palau Guell and the Barcelona Maritime Museum are worth mentioning. As well as our Barcelona insider articles and blogs, the “Barcelona La Rambla Tourist Information Center” located at 115, La Rambla, Barcelona offers plenty of Rambla informationand Barcelona guide books, open 9am-9pm. Back in the day, before La Rambla was one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, it was a little less romantic. A functioning sewer stream, it pumped sewage in to the Caganell lagoon.

This gave it the nickname “The Caganell” which basically means “The shit stream”, and during the Middle Ages became a breeding place for malarial mosquitoes, nice! Meet the staff of Las Ramblas Meet the staff of la Ramblas La Ramblas Barcelona is a living, breathing, 24 hour market where anything is possible. SuiteLife Barcelona take a closer look at the people who call this famous tourist destination their office. Let’s face it, if you’re looking for things to do in Barcelona, you will with-out-doubt find yourself on Las Ramblas at some point. As mentioned in our first Rambla Blog, the people working on this street are diverse, charasmatic and to be honest, a little strange! Street Artists Street art and street performers line Las Ramblas in Barcelonaand create a truly unique vibe with-in this beautiful city. True enough, you will find street performers in many other European cities but Barcelona is some how the authority on this “industry”, and you will see an incredibly high level of professionalism here, this is Art after all. For those of you who are not familiar with these street performers, imagine a living, human statue/mime of the strangest kind.

Last night, I saw a man painted entirely white, wearing his favourite white hat and a pair of white “Y- fronts” sitting on a toilet, reading the local paper- YES, in the middle of the street! What I find strange about this, is that he probably does this 8 hours a day, 5-7 day’s a week, who was his career advisor? Is he really making more money doing this, than he would be working a “normal” job? Does he pay taxes on his income? and if so, what is his job title? Or did he grow up dreaming that one day, he’d be able to sit on a toilet all day, in public AND get paid for it? This is Barcelonaafter all and anything goes, no questions asked. Some of these Barcelona street artists have been doing this job for years and there must be photos of them in photo albums around the world, right now there is somebody uploading their “2010 summer trip to Barcelona” photo album to Facebook, with their friends adding witty one liners to photos of some guy dressed as Tarzan on Las Ramblas!

I can’t imagine Las Rambla with out these crazy and sometimes beautiful street performers and it certainly doesn’t look as though they are going any where soon, another one of those strange little things that happens in Barcelona city and becomes intertwined with everything else, one feeding off the other. Bird Watching in Barcelona Want to do some birdwatching on La Ramblas? The Rambla dels Estudis or Rambla dels Ocells (Street of the birds), has markets selling birds and other animals. I’m not sure of the legalities but once again, this is Barcelona so anything goes! Fish, tortoises, dogs, hamsters, lizards, rabbits and some say baby crocodiles, although I’ve never seen them myself are all available to buy, although for obvious reasons, these don’t make good Barcelona souvenirs for tourists! FLOWERS & FLORISTS Rambla de Flors Barcelona Las Ramblas florists offer a more romantic service, selling beautiful fresh cuttings all day long. Known as the Rambla de le Flors (yup you guessed it – Street of flowers), they literally add colour and vibrancy to Las Rambla and a sweet floral scent.

Apparently, the famous artist Ramon Casas and the philosopher Serra Hunter, both married florists from the La Ramblas. Towards the bottom of Las Ramblas you will find Barcelona artistsshowcasing their paintings and with the fierce competition, you will find some really high quality paintings for seriously low prices. Remember “all that sparkles is not gold”, so don’t spend all your money on a painting by an aritst claiming to be “world renound” unless you know your artists well. Remember, they do this all-day-long so don’t feel rude asking for money off, especially if you are buying a few Barcelona paintings. I tell my friends that these paintings of Barcelona are ideal souvenirs and definitely more original than the generic Barcelona T-shirts I see being snapped up all over the city. The same can be said about buying most things from shops on La Ramblas. I bought my nephew a Barcalona football shirt, it wasn’t labelled with a price so I asked how much it was, “€55″ he said. I walked out the door and he chased me out, I offered him €25 and we settled on €30.

You are nothing but a tourist to them and they will try and get as much money out of you as possible, don’t let them! As well as the Barcelona paintings for sale, you will find the artists lined up offering portraits and caricatures. There are many of these cariacature artists on Las Ramblas so be sure to drive a hard bargain when agreeing on a price (best done BEFOREHAND). The Night Staff Amongst all the hustle and bustle on the Ramblas, you will find the promoters. These people work on Las Ramblas all day and night encouraging you to come to their pub (or “puff” as they pronounce it here), restaurants and nightclubs. Don’t be too quick to dismiss these people, many of the flyers they hand out offer free drinks , discounts or free entry to the Barcelona nightclubs. Nights out in Barcelona can get pricey so these extras can really save you a pretty penny. A prostitute gets taken away on Rambla Barcelona Las Ramblas by night is a different story and I suggest you take care with yourself and your belongings. You will find some shady characters stroll past and without making eye contact ask, “Marijuana, Cocaine, Hashish?”.

For obvious reasons, I suggest you ignore them and act as if you haven’t even noticed them, even making eye contact will encourage them to pester you. These people move in the same circles as the pick-pockets in Barcelona and are also linked to the prostitution in Barcelona. Most of these “unsavoury characters” hang out around the bottom end of Las Ramblas, towards the port and as long as you don’t stop when they try to speak with you, you will be fine. All-in-all, Las Ramblas is full of colourful characters, some you will love, some you will hate and some will just out right confuse you. Keep your wits about you and enjoy! La Boqueria Market in Barcelona – AKA The Sant Josep Market Las Ramblas Blog #3 – La Boqueria Market La Boqueria Market in Barcelona, also known as Sant Josep Market, has been called “The greatest market in the world“. La Boqueria market is said to be the biggest market in Europe and is synonymous with the historical culture of Las Ramblas and Barcelona as a whole. Like many European markets, La Boqueria, on Las Ramblas is more than just another “place to buy food”.

It is more of a showcase for Spanish culture on a much grander scale, celebrating the Barcelona cultureand history. Spanish seasonal produce is traded here and offers inspiration for local Spanish chefs in the city. The best food in Barcelona will typically be linked to this market in some way shape or form, it’s not here as a tourist attraction, it’s a living, breathing, functioning, essential necessity. Las Ramblas Barcelona: The Boqueria Market Video How was this place created and more importantly, why? Originally an un-regulated open air market, the Sant Josep Market was a far cry from what you see today. Created in the 18th century, the market gained popularity and competition between traders grew, rapidly and fiercely. Traders would fight and arguments between the older greengrocers/butchers and the younger “newbies” were common. Change was inevitable and the markets near the two squares merged into one, La Rambla de Sant Josep. The bird shops and florists on La Ramblas that we wrote about in our Rambla blog #2, were built surrounding the new space and salesmen in the market used to give flowers to customers when they bought something.

Goes to show, even in the old days, people loved a little something for nothing. This also shows how directly Las Ramblas was influenced by La Boqueria. Las Ramblas started as an extension of La Boqueria market, although, nowadays you would be forgiven for thinking it was the other way around. The layout of the Boqueria market is well thought out, you enter via the main entrance off Las Ramblas where you will be met with the salesmen and woman trying to sell you sweets, and fruit juice drinks . To be fair to them, they don’t give you a hard time and you don’t feel that you have to buy anything. Beyond the sweet stalls and my personal favourite, chocolate stalls, you will find the butchers stalls. Carnes Serranp, stalls 142-143 is one of the few butchers in Barcelona who still stock Horse and Bull meat. A few of the more peculiar stalls offer sheep’s heads and cow tongues. Petras No 867 specialise in edible insects and is worth a visit for you curious SuiteLifers.

The central area of the Boqueria market is called “Illa De Peix” (Island of fish), and here you will find all kinds of strange and wonderful Spanish seafood. LIVE crabs and lobsters move slowly around the ice trays and are as fresh as it gets! As Fresh As It Get’s? The modern day Boqueria – As fresh as it gets! 1914 saw the modernisation of La Boqueria, a metal roof was installed and prompted the other aesthetic and decorative improvements which soon followed. With fish and sheeps heads flying around the market, sanitary improvements were greatly appreciated by the people who worked in the Boqueria and customers alike. Personally, what I find most interesting about La Boqueria and markets in general, is the way families continue the tradition and family business for years and years. La Boqueria market is entwined with the city’s history and the families who live here. The present salesmen are of the third and fourth generation of families who have worked in the Sant Josep market since it’s conception in the 18th century.

Spanish Architecture – What’s HOT on Las Ramblas So, you’ve booked your flights to Barcelona, or you already live here, and you wanna know about the great Barcelona architecture you can see along the city’s most famous street, Las Ramblas! Architecture in Barcelona is big and beautiful and Las Ramblas offers some tasty treats for those interested in Spanish and Catalan architecture. As with most of the architecture in Barcelona, the ground floors are generally built for retail, so don’t forget to look up to see the full extent of the beautiful designs. This blog will give you loads of info on some of the best architecture on Las Ramblas Las Ramblas Architecture Video! Gran Teatro de Liceu de Barcelona – The GRANDEST Barcelona Teatre Liceo Theatre Barcelona Lets start with the Gran teatre de Liceu, an impressive opera house opened in 1847. Originally a convent, this is a classic story where life imitates art. Some what of an anomaly, The Liceu Theatre was not funded by the Monarchy as all other opera houses in Europe, but funded instead by a group of private share holders.

Known as the Societat del Gran Teatre del Liceu (Great Liceu Theater Society) and you may notice a few differences in the design of the buildings architecture, lack of a Royal Box being one of the key indicators of this peculiar but spectacular Catalan theatre. The opening ceremony on the 4th of April 1847 saw the Liceu Theatre open as the biggest opera house in Europe, with some 3500 seats! From it’s initial augmentation, the Liceu theatre suffered many pitfalls, and it’s amazing that it’s still here today. FIRE , ANARCHY, BOMBS, CIVIL WAR AND MORE FIRE – This is Catalonia after all! Anarchy in Barcelona? NO! Tragically, the Liceu Theatre was seriously damaged by fire on April 9th 1861 and the skills of architect Josep Oriol Mestres were called upon to implement a rapid restoration. The “re-opening” a year later, left only the original Façade, entrance hall and foyer, the rest being newly built. The Lieceu Theatre cruised along for the next few decades until catastrophe struck in 1893.

During the opening night of the opera Guillaume Tell, two bombs were thrown into the Liceu theatre by the infamous anarchist Santiago Salvador . Sadly, 20 people were killed and many were seriously injured. Again, the Liceuwas renovated and reopened on 18th January 1894. The seats where the people were killed were not used for many years after. the following years were realtively quiet but by no means easy. The Spanish civil war caused such financial instabililty that The Liceu theatre was nationalised and renamed Teatre Nacional de Catalunya (Liceu Opera House – the National Theatre of Catalonia). Only in 1939 was it returned to it’s original owners. Once again, The Leceu Opera House returned to some level of normality until 1994 when there was yet another fire! The building was destroyed and the only option was for the theatre to become public in order to raise the money needed for the third rebuild. Hence the next name change The Fundació del Gran Teatre del Liceu (Liceu Great Theater Foundation).

So when you visit The Leceu Theatre, see if you can notice the original features and the battle scars of this fascinating and historically rich Spanish Theatre. Palau Guell – Las Ramblas – Gaudi’s only finished project. Palau Guell Las Ramblas – The only building Gaudi finished Palau Guell is a beautifully crafted Palace, designed by Antoni Gaudiand is some what of a Barcelona secret. Known best by die-hard Barcelona architecture fans, Palau Guell is interesting because it’s the only building Gaudi completed and little has been changed since. It’s nice to think when you look at Palau Guell, you are seeing exactly what Antoni Gaudi saw when he stood back, looked up at his work and thought, “Yes, that’s it, it’s finished, it’s perfect!” At least that’s what I imagine he thought. Antoni Gaudi is of course mostly famous for his work on Passieg de Gracia – La Padrera, Casa Batlló and the un-finished Sagrada Familia. Check out more about Gaudi’s Work The Güell Palace was built for Eusebi Güell who wanted a home on Las Ramblas Barcelona.

And yes, it is the same guy who asked Gaudi to design Parc Güell too, uber-rich indeed! Eusebi Güell lived in the palace until 1906 and then moved to his house in Parc Guell, where he lived until his death in 1918, not a bad life though hey! The Palau Güell was then passed onto Eusebi’s daughter, Mercè Güell i López and was used as a police station during the Spanish Civil War. La Boqueria Mercat – Sant Josep Historically, the Boqueria market has played a very important role in the development of Las Ramblas and also Barcelona as a whole (Read the Ramblas Blog #2 for an in-depth look & video ). The architectural design of the Boqueria is interesting as it changed slowly over the years, matching the needs of the traders, function over form. What you see today however, is a beautifully designed masterpiece and well worth a visit. The Columbus Monument – BCN’s Meeting Point Christopher Columbus Monument Barcelona – Pointing to the New World If you are in-to monuments and statues, this 60m column will blow your socks off!

The statue of Christopher Columbus celebrates the location of where he returned to Spain after his first voyage to the Americas. It was here that he communicated with Queen Isabela and Ferdinand after his most famous of trips. The Christopher Columbus statue in Barcelona was sculpted by Rafael Atché and shows Columbus pointing out to sea or to “The New World”. This has caused many arguments as people believed he should have been pointing in-land to Spain. Standing at 7.3m tall, this is an impressive piece of Spanish architecture. So SuiteLifers, these are a few of the Architectural highlights, but by no means all! Las Ramblas has a way of surprising you every time you go and we would love to hear about your experiences. Leave a comment here or check-out our Facebook page ! Ben

Question: In which European city is Las Ramblas?
Answer: Barcelona